Revolutionizing the Energy Sector

through DronesBy Cam Flores

“It’s coming… [t]he question is how long will it

take?”Curt Smith – director at BP’s chief technology

office

Roadmap

Benefits of using Drones in the Energy SectorEnvironmental Improving wind powerSafetyEconomic impact

“Power plants in the Sky”

Current regulatory framework

Upcoming FAA rule – FAA Modernization and Reform Act

How to incorporate drones into the Energy Sector

Surveying Oil Drilling Sites

Environmental BenefitsMarine mammals

Permits require companies to halt seismic surveys if whales or other protected wildlife are present

IceLower carbon footprint

Economic benefitsShell’s $5 billion dollar mistake

Conoco Phillips and Alaska’s arctic shores

Wind Power and Drones

Wind Power has limitationsUnpredictableUnstable source of power

Wind is more stable and more plentiful at higher altitudes

Using Drones to mimic Wind Turbines

Video

Video

Drones and Safety in the Energy Sector

Drones can go where people cannot

Examples BP and small drones

Safety benefits Detect weak spots and leaks in pipelines Dangerous terrain

Economic benefits Manned v. unmanned

Apache Corp Inspections of flare stacks at gas plantsAvoids shutdowns of around three weeks

Identified Technologies

Video

Power Plants in the SkyNew Wave Energy UK

Harvesting solar, wind, and heat energyConverts energy through electromagnetic waves

BenefitsHeight advantages50,000 ft

So What’s the Problem? - Wild Wild West of Drones

Model Aircraft (voluntary guidelines) or Aircraft (regulations)?

Huerta v. PirkerWho regulates?

Administrative Law Judge – Drone is Model Aircraft National Transportation Safety Board – Drone is Aircraft

Murky legal waters - Fear of flying commercial drones until 2015 (or later?)

FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

FAA "shall provide for the safe integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system as soon as practicable, but not later than September 30, 2015." What will the rules look like?What will the future look like for drones?

FAA claims airspace from the ground upFlying commercial drones will violate FAA regulationAny aircraft, manned or unmanned, needs some form

of FAA approval

So what should we do about it?

All comes down to the proposed rulemaking next yearDistinguish small drones (<55lbs) from large

dronesWhat is the definition of navigable airspace?

Why did FAA come to exist?NAS Should not be anything above ground

Comment on the proposed rulemakingGive States flexibility with drone regulation

Tax breaks